Spirit of the Marathon
Starring: Joan Benoit-Samuelson, Frank Shorter, Grete Waitz, Alberto Salazar, Dick BeardsleyDirector: Jon Dunham
Studio: Image Entertainment
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Format: Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, Widescreen, NTSC
Running Time: 102 minutes
DVD Release: October 7th 2008
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DVD Review
Spirit of the Marathon is the first film to capture the passion, drama and essence of the famed 26.2-mile Chicago Marathon. Intimate, fascinating portraits of six runners from all walks of life unfold as the film follows seasoned athletes and amateurs alike in their preparation for the big race. See why the Los Angeles Times said "Even if you've never run for anything but a bus, you'll... get swept up in this movie's inspiring journey"!
User Reviews
Happy to find a Marathon DVD! - Rating: 3/5
As a long time runner, I was just thrilled to find this DVD on marathon running.
While I enjoyed the documentary, and, in no way want to diminish it, I think I expected something different. I thought I would see more elite runners and clips of epic marathon moments.
Instead, it basically highlights 5 "ordinary" (non-elite) runners
and the emotional highs and lows that they go through as they each train for and run the marathon for different personal reasons. While I appreciate their stories, they weren't particularly inspiring to me. Perhaps it was the way the movie was made - it didn't stay on one person for long before they would cut to a different runner. It went back and forth a lot and I felt like I couldn't really get a grasp on anyone.
One of the best scenes for me was the sweeping shot of the starting line at the Chicago Marathon. Approx. 40,000 runners all lined up waiting to start appeared to go on forever! That shot was spectacular. I got very emotional seeing that.
All in all, a good, informative documentary. I wish there were more docs made on running.
Awesome Excellent Documentary - Rating: 5/5
this movie is fantastic for the avid runner or just anyone looking for inspiration. if you're training for your first marathon or starting to lose interest in running, this movie will get you back on track. very moving, very touching, i recommend everyone watch this documentary. i got it on Netflix and ended up buying a copy for a friend that's a runner, she loved it!!!
Fantastic for anyone either training for or contemplating a marathon - Rating: 5/5
As originally posted on my blog - [...]
I just finished watching "The Spirit of the Marathon," a documentary that follows six people through their preparation and completion of the 2005 Chicago Marathon. Despite being filmed back in 2005, the movie didn't come out until 2008, so there were nice updates about all of the runners at the end.
Someone recommended this movie on the Runner's World forums and I was able to watch it on my computer via Netflix, so it is widely accessible (also available on DVD or for rent/purchase at Amazon). It was a phenomenal movie and well worth the viewing. The six people they chose were a good mix of professional runners, experienced marathoners and first-timers. Additionally, among those categories, there were younger and older runners as well as runners who were trying to balance all of the demands of marathon training with raising a family.
The thing that I took away from the movie was first, never give up no matter what and second, you're only racing yourself. For example, there is one man who is attempting to BQ (Boston Qualify - so he needs to finish in 3 hours, 10 minutes) and ends up being injured a few months before the race. He, understandably, is very upset, but continues on and ends up supporting his wife's efforts and volunteering to help others. Contrast this with an older gentleman who is running his fourth marathon and is pleased as punch to finish in 6 hours, 15 minutes - while dragging his adult daughter along for the ride. I think people come to marathons for a variety of different reasons and motivations and this movie did a terrific job of showing a few of those.
Additionally, the shots around Chicago on race day really do try to portray the atmosphere and adrenaline that the crowd creates. While the movie is no substitute for being there and experiencing it firsthand, it's a good second cut.
I highly recommend anyone training for or contemplating a marathon to watch this movie - even multiple times. I know I'll watch it again before the race.
Excelente y motivador - Rating: 5/5
Si quieres compartir tus sentimientos de tu pasion por correr, este pelicula te aseguro te hara vibrar y hasta llorar.
Excelente para tu propia motivacion y para que motives a quienes no han corrido un marathon e inclusive para quienes no tienen el habito de correr.
(Esta en ingles, pero con subtitulos en espaņol).
For the first time marathoner - Rating: 3/5
I didn't find this movie motivational at all but it did contain a lot of information for someone interested in what it takes to train and complete a first marathon. If your already in a marathon training program or have already run a few marathons spend you money on a motivational movie.
Bruce
20+ marathons, 2 Chicagos, and 2:48 PR.
